Australia: Critical Issues - Reef & Rainforest

Meet your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Australia. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure!

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

If your travel to Australia crosses the international dateline, you’ll likely lose this day to travel. Not to worry – you’ll get it back on your return!

Arrive in Sydney International Airport this morning and board your connecting flight to Cairns.  Upon arrival into Cairns, you will meet your Australian Program Leaders. After a brief introduction, head to your hotel and settle in after your long journey. 

Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Meet with a project manager from the Marine Discoveries Research and Training Centre. Enjoy a presentation on the Great Barrier Reef from local marine biologists. Develop a deeper understanding of critical issues such as climate impact, the roles of marine species and the importance of our coral reefs. Enjoy dinner by the lagoon as you soak up the lively atmosphere along the esplanade.

Flight Details: TBD

Overnight: 3 Share Hotel Room, Cairns

After breakfast, depart on the ferry to the famous Fitzroy Island! Here, we will partner with local Marine Biologists to support their incredible work. Learn about coral reef regeneration projects, impacts of climate change and help prepare some coral trees for plantation on the reef. Head out snorkeling for a citizen science program to record data on fish species and remove coral-eating snails. Your snorkeling time will give you ample opportunity to spot brightly colored fish, turtles, rays and reef sharks!

Overnight: 3 Share Hotel Room, Cairns

After Breakfast, head out to meet some wildlife rescuers and volunteers. Learn about Agile Wallabies and how infrastructure and the loss of habitat is leading to a mass decline in this incredible species. Complete a rescue training course and learn about how to safely rescue joeys from pouches, then assist with a variety of tasks ranging from planting trees, trap maintenance, sewing joey pouches and more!

Get ready to grab your adrenaline fix with bungee jumping & the Jungle Swing.  Bungee jump dressed as a hot dog, ride a BMX off the roof of the bungee tower or try your luck at the world’s fastest Jungle Swing!

Overnight: 3 Share Hotel Room, Cairns

It’s an early start this morning, spend half day navigating your way down the Barron River on an epic whitewater rafting adventure through this World Heritage location. After a morning packed with adrenaline, head to explore Kuranda, the tablelands that border Cairns. Spend the afternoon wandering the markets in the village before you hike down the mountain and see the magnificent Barron Falls. In the evening, head to the Cairns Night Market to pick up some local souvenirs and see the local artists.

Overnight: 3 Share Hotel Room, Cairns

This morning, pack your bags and get ready for your road trip to our next destination, the Daintree Rainforest. Drive north along the coast and stop in at Mossman Gorge where you’ll take a Dreamtime Walk with an Indigenous guide to learn about the traditional custodians of the land, the Kuku Yalanji. Get welcomed with a smoking Ceremony, hear the history of this rich culture while walking through the Rainforest learning about different medicinal and edible plants. Learn how the gorge was formed over millions of years and see how ochre paint is made.

After lunch, cross the Daintree River by ferry. Stop in at the Daintree Discovery Center where you’ll take a walk amid the treetops while you learn about some of the prehistoric plant and animal species of the area. Make your way through the rainforest to your accommodation. Keep your eyes peeled for Cassowaries! 

Overnight: Safari Huts, Daintree

This morning you will bid farewell to the Daintree rainforest as you wind your way back down towards Cairns for your departing flight back to Sydney. After landing in Sydney, transfer to your accommodation in the city. This afternoon, your program leaders will lead you on an insider’s walking tour of the unique sandstone hills and lane-ways of The Rocks District and down into Circular Quay. From here, you get an unrivaled view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and explore the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera house up close and personal! 

After a farewell dinner tonight, reflect on your experiences from the program, capture memories and learning moments and discuss ways to apply your learning to your community back home. During or after this discussion, participate in Rustic Ties which is a unique and powerful activity that allows you to share memorable connections and stories with your group members.

Overnight: Youth Hostel, Sydney

This morning will be full of fond farewells as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare for your journey home. We hope you are returning home full of valuable and unforgettable memories and that you had an amazing time in Australia!

Overnight: On the flight.